Stewart commended agricultural producers for recognizing their role in supporting native prairies. He said farmers take pride in preserving the ecosystem by using sustainable land management practises to contribute to both the economic and environmental health of the province.

Nature Conservancy Canada’s Science Manager in Saskatchewan Mathew Braun said he liked the term coined by first French explorers; they referred to the prairies as “a sea of grass.”

He explained roughly 20 per cent of Saskatchewan's grasslands still remain.

“Once you cultivate [grasslands] you don’t really get that back, it takes a good couple thousand years to get there” Braun said. “Because the grass has been growing there for so long, and built up the soil, and made it really rich, that’s what makes it so valuable for agriculture.”

Once grasslands are established they’re one of the hardiest environments around.

The Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan’s manager Carolyn Gaudet said the week is an educational opportunity.

“Everyone can play a role in the conservation of prairie landscapes and a great first step is learning more about them,” Gaudet said. “We are encouraging all Saskatchewan residents to explore and experience what native prairie has to offer.”

Join the Discussion

We are happy to provide a forum for commenting and discussion. Please respect and abide by the house rules: Keep it clean, keep it civil, keep it truthful, stay on topic, be responsible, share your knowledge, and please suggest removal of comments that violate these standards. See full commenting rules.